After the loss of Elvis Dumervil in the contract fax fiasco last month, the Broncos have been looking for a pass-rushing replacement. At one point, it looked like the team might sign Dwight Freeney, but they finally found their man with the signing of former Charger Shaun Phillips to a one-year contract.

Denver opted not to use a high draft pick on a pass rusher, preferring to go the veteran route with Phillips. The Broncos did select a pass rusher, Quanterus Smith of Western Kentucky, in the fifth round, but he is recovering from a torn ACL.

Shaun Phillips must be a significant pass-rush threat for Denver or Von Miller will see a steady stream of double-teams. (AP Photo)

Phillips will be the primary pass rusher opposite Von Miller, and he’ll need to be a threat to prevent consistent double-teaming of Miller. A longtime Broncos tormentor, Phillips has collected 69½ sacks in nine seasons, including 9½ last year.

He will switch from outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment to defensive end in Denver's 4-3 scheme, but he insists that he's played enough snaps with a hand on the ground that it won't be an issue.

"I'm a natural defensive end that they moved to outside linebacker," he said. "So, it's like going back home for me."

The signing of Phillips and the drafting of Smith all but closes the door on Freeney coming to Denver. "We never stop looking, but I would say we're pretty happy with where we are," executive vice president of football operations John Elway said.

The Broncos had defensive ends John Abraham and Freeney in for visits after losing Dumervil, but Phillips gives them a 250-pounder with more flexibility to cover the tight end or rush the passer.